Jiri Tlusty, Joe Corvo and Jussi Jokinen also scored for Carolina, which was playing for the first time since goalie Cam Ward went on injured reserve following a torn MCL that will require a recovery of six to eight weeks. The Hurricanes won their fourth straight and completed a three-game season sweep of the Sabres.

Staal picked up his 600th NHL point with the first of his two assists on the night on Tlusty's goal in the first period.

Justin Peters, recalled from Charlotte of the AHL, had 37 saves in his first start of the season for the Hurricanes.

Ryan Miller had 24 saves for Buffalo, which got two goals from Cody Hodgson and one from T.J. Brennan.